ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government on Friday decided to employ the country’s powerful military to launch a crackdown on illegal activities and criminal mafias, targeting smugglers, money launderers and hoarders to revitalize the ailing national economy.

The Pakistan military has been utilized in the past to deal with administrative and governance issues, such as the rampant challenge of power theft in certain areas of the country.

Last year, the military’s intervention to prevent foreign currency smuggling and control market manipulations helped the caretaker administration stabilize forex reserves and prices of essential commodities amid depreciating value of the national currency and spiraling inflation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting, which was also attended by army chief General Asim Munir and other senior officials, to discuss a broad spectrum of issues.

“The participants were briefed in detail on steps taken against the criminal mafias, smuggling, hoarding, money laundering, power theft and repatriation of illegal foreigners etc.,” said an official statement released after the meeting.

“The meeting showed firm resolve to take action against smugglers, hoarders and market manipulators, who have impacted the economic trajectory and to provide immediate relief to common citizens,” it added.

The meeting gave approval of agreements among federal and provincial governments on anti-power theft policy, restructuring of power distribution companies on modern lines, installation of smart meters for full eradication of power theft and ordered strict action against corrupt officials in the energy sector.

The army chief assured unwavering resolve to support the government’s initiatives aimed at economic recovery of the country.

The prime minister also directed all stakeholders to vigorously pursue various initiatives against illegal activities discussed in the meeting to ensure their accomplishment within the stipulated period.